This is a great triathlon for a beginner. It is based in a big grassy park where there is cheap all day parking, an event village and toilets and showers. The swim and T1 are a 10 minute walk away at Nantwich open air brine pool. 

The swim and race briefing were well-managed and there was no need for flip-flops because there was matting between the swim and T1. It was a sunny day and the open air pool was a bonus. I'd been for a recce swim the week before and the water had seemed colder than it did on the day, but the recce swim prompted me to get my head and shoulders under the water before I was counted off to start.

The bike leg was on mainly quiet lanes and was well-marshalled. The route was gently undulating and a race car drove around the route throughout the event. Arrival into T2 was easy and good for supporters to get close. 

Water was available straight out of T2 and at the start of every lap of the run. I'm not usually keen on running on grass, but the grass in Bariny Park was flat and even and I was fine in road running shoes. The run is 4 laps and goes right through the event village and the atmosphere created by the picnicking spectators. 

I'd recommend this triathlon to first timers, and to anyone keen on an open air pool. The pool was a stand-out feature for me, as was the, as yet unmentioned, post race massage.